College Football Preview – San Diego State Aztecs vs. Fresno State Bulldogs

The San Diego State Aztecs are undefeated and the team to beat in the Mountain West. They have one of the top defenses in the country, and they are currently ranked No. 21 in the AP Poll. However, the Aztecs will have their work cut out for them this week against the Fresno State Bulldogs. Fresno State nearly beat Oregon before going on the road to take down UCLA and is only a one-point underdog on Saturday night.

On Saturday, October 30, 2021, the San Diego State Aztecs will “host” the Fresno State Bulldogs at 10:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network. This game will take place at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California as San Diego State’s stadium is undergoing renovation the whole year.

College Football Betting Odds

Fresno State +1

San Diego State -1

Total 44.5

The Bulldogs came close to knocking off Oregon in Eugene in early September, and they held on to beat Nevada last week at home. Fresno State won 34-32 after stopping the Wolfpack on a two-point conversion on the final minute. That gives them a leg up in the West Division race, and the winner of this game has the inside track on playing in the MWC Championship Game.

San Diego State might be unbeaten, but the Aztecs needed triple overtime to beat Utah and double overtime to knock off San Jose State. The Aztecs squeaked out a six-point win on the road against Air Force last week to remain undefeated.

When Fresno State Has the Ball

Jake Haener is completing 67.9% of his passes for 2,582 yards with 22 touchdowns and six interceptions. The senior did not play well in a loss to Hawaii, but he has been very good in every other game. Haener was elite in the win over UCLA, and he will need to be on his game against a very good SDSU defense.

Jalen Cropper leads the team in receiving and has been solid on underneath routes, while Josh Kelly and Keric Wheatfall are the deep threats. Ronnie Rivers and Jordan Mims have been a good one-two tandem at running back too.

The Aztecs have one of the best defenses in the country. San Diego State is allowing just 3.9 yards per play, and they have been elite against the run and the pass. Opponents are converting just 25.7% of third down opportunities against them, so Fresno State is going to struggle on offense.

When San Diego State Has the Ball

Unfortunately for Brady Hoke and the Aztecs, they really struggle to move the ball in their own right. Their quarterbacks are completing just 55.8% of their passes for 5.8 YPA, and they are one of the worst passing offenses in the country.

San Diego State has a decent run game. The Aztecs are averaging 4.5 YPC and 192.5 YPG. However, their best offensive weapon might be their punter. Matt Araiza is on pace to crush the national record, and that gives the Aztecs some of the best special teams in the country.

Fresno State is allowing 3.7 YPC and 6.9 YPA on defense. This is an above average defense, and that should shut down a mediocre offense.

Prediction

The under is a solid play, but San Diego State might be a better bet. Haener has struggled in recent weeks, and it looks like he might be dealing with some injury issues.

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